FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Ocean City this weekend

[KarenNyere@xxxxxxx]

I have to share with my fellow birders a wonderful place to stay in Ocean 
City.  It's been my birding haven for years.  It's the Lighthouse Hotel at 
Fager's Island on 56th Street.  This octagonal "lighthouse" hotel; sits across 
the 
street from the ocean in a wetland on Assowaman Bay.  The birding from the 
parking lot or even your room alone is spectacular.  All kinds of terns, 
clapper 
rails, egrets, herons of all kinds, willets and laughing , herring and 
ring-billed gulls await you.

Just this morning, on one of the little wooden bridgeways in the area we 
stood and watched a tri-colored heron, a snowy egret and an oystercatcher all 
vying for a meal amidst schools of chad or striped bass.  The rooms are 
luxurious 
and off season, a steal at 69 dollars and up.  I spoke with the manager there 
and she is putting together a "birders 3-day package" which would include 
wetland birding , birding with a guide on Assateague and spa amenities as well 
plus dinner and social gatherings at the hotel.  She will keep me informed as 
it 
is developped.  She is looking for suggestions from birders.  I

I think this would be a wonderful way to introduce all kinds of people to 
birding and the richness and necessity for coastal wetlands or any type of 
wetland.  I was busy interpreting for people there just for fun. 

I know, it isn't cool to have a structure amidst a wetland, but it was there 
years before the current ownership purchased it .  I do have a problem with an 
additional small but lux place called "The Edge" that is there but I still 
think the potential for eco-tourism for corporate types is incredible.  
Preaching to a different choir so to speak. 

Well, those are my thoughts, let me know if you have any ideas and I will 
pass them on to Mrs. Reynolds or call The Lighthouse Hotel and ask for her 
yourself!

Happy birding!